This appeared today in Caregiving Policy Digest. (caregiver.org)
"Federal Legislation, Policy & Reports
Caregiver Assistance and Relief Effort (CARE) Act Reintroduced
Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) recently reintroduced his legislation from 2007, the Caregiver Assistance and Relief Effort (CARE) Act (S 2958/ H.R. 1192). The bill would provide a tax credit to those caring for a family member with long-term care needs; the credit would start at $2,500 in 2010, with a reduction of $100 for every $1,000 the taxpayer earns over $75,000. The credit would increase to $2,750 in 2011 and $3,000 in 2012. In addition, the bill would increase funding for the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) to $250 million in FY 2011, up from $154 million in FY 2010. It would also allow a tax deduction for long-term care insurance premiums and apply certain consumer protection provisions to long-term care insurance contracts."
It is suppose to be a direct credit, this bill was introduced before and never got off ground, I do hope we get it this year. The requirements are much like those of NH criteria, your loved one has to meet certain guidelines but most of us would qualify.